3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) named pop-star will.i.am as its chief creative director earlier this year. The move surprised many because the company has nothing to do with the music industry at all. But will.i.am certainly recognizes the potential that recycling and 3D printing can achieve together. The pop star also happens to work with The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) on its EKOCYCLE project. EKOCYCLE is an initiative with a vision to identify products such as plastic bottles that can be recycled to produce valuable and fashionable lifestyle products.

3D Systems to launch EKOCYCLE Cube printer

Every year, humans throw away millions of tons of plastics, which harms out environment. And we manufacture even more plastic for use in 3D printers. 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD)’s idea is to recycle the plastic bottles into 3D printer filament rather than throwing them away. It will make the world a healthier and cleaner place. The world’s largest soft drink company is good source of recyclable plastic bottles.

That’s why the Rock Hill-based company has teamed up with The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) and will.i.am to bring a new 3D printer EKOCYCLE Cube. Priced at $1,199, the 3D printer will come with 25 fashion, music and tech minded designs for 3D printable accessories, which are personally curated by the pop star.

The EKOCYCLE Cube printer uses recycled plastic filaments made from discarded plastic bottles of Coke or other drinks that use PET bottles. It turns them into a fashionable piece of jewelry, smartphone cover, spare part or whatever else you’d like to print. Each filament cartridge consists of three 20 oz plastic coke bottles. It means about 25% of plastic in the cartridge will be from discarded plastic bottles.

3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD)’s new printer adds even further sustainability with its Cartridge Recycling program. The company will offer customers a $5 discount on their next cartridge if they return empty cartridges for reuse. 3D Systems says its latest printer will change the way we think about recycling, and transform the discarded plastic bottles into amazing new products.

Author: Vikas ShuklaAlthough he has a background in finance and holds an MBA, Vikas Shukla is a technology reporter. He has a strong interest in gadgets, gizmos, and science. He writes regularly on these topics. - He can be contacted by email at vshukla@valuewalk.com